Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham, left, applauds as he stands next to goalie Josh Saunders before the MLS Cup championship soccer game against Real Salt Lake game Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
MANILA, Philippines—English football icon David Beckham could be playing one of his last few games for the Los Angeles Galaxy when the Major League Soccer champions tackle the Philippine Azkals in an exhibition match this Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Talks are rife that Beckham will make a move back to Europe and the Galaxy’s Asia-Pacific tour that includes stops in Indonesia and Australia could be his last tour of duty as his contract with the MLS club is set to expire by the end of the year.
The development is expected to trigger more interest in the Galaxy-Azkals match and with four days before the match, the United Football League has taken the initiative to partner with promoters to reduce the ticket prices by 35 percent.
UFL chair Santi Araneta said buyers need to use the UFL code of 6987 when purchasing at Ticketworld to avail of the discount.
“They (promoters) have promised that if the UFL sells a significant number of tickets, they will work on having another big name club to come over in the country,” added Araneta, who in his Twitter account mentioned clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Football officials said the Galaxy-Azkals match will boost the sport and the national team.
“It’s an experience our national team can constantly draw inspiration from,” said Dan Palami, who heads the local organizing committee for the exhibition match.